The American Tour... this isn't going to go well is it?

[WineIsMyCarb]

I think that in the first instance planning some sort of hearts and minds land grab over the Sussexes is foolish when Meghan is herself American and the Sussexes are based there. Why not leave well alone and throw a bells and whistles diplomatic smorgasbord for the president (or the next one, frankly, if Biden carks it) at the next opportunity. Or go to Canada, where you'd get loads of 10 years later photo compares and you are (or will be) actually the head of state there.
Also why Boston? If anything it's the anti UK monarchy state historically and Bostonians are not as (platonically) romantically taken than, say, (sweeping generalisation alert!) Midwesterners by the Royal Family.

I'm sure it's to flood the papers before Harry's "poor me" autobio comes out but surely there must be a premise on which they're going?

And now they have their 'touch down' moment marred by more racism accusations (quite rightly, what that lady in waiting said and how she behaved was absolutely appalling).

Difficult to see how they can bring this back round tbh.

What everyone else think?

Who is trying to do a “ land grab “? Are you seriously suggesting that no member of the RF should go to to the US because H and M live there ? Hundreds of miles from
Boston .
Why Boston ? Because Earthshot is working in collaboration with he JFK Foundation and ( as I am sure you know ) JFK was born in Boston .

I'm sure it's to flood the papers before Harry's "poor me" autobio comes out but surely there must be a premise on which they're going?

The couple are going to Boston for the Earthshot awards.

There is PR flooding of the papers going on by both 'sides' at the moment - one quick scroll through the DM for example clearly shows this, it's a full on battle for column inches. Think it's something that's not going to let up anytime soon.

This visit is based on the Earthshot prize. It was announced 12 months ago at the inaugural Earthshot event. It’s not a random visit.

The RF go to the states a lot. They are glorified civil servants, it’s their job as part of diplomatic and trade missions. Boston is because it’s the awards thing.

I think you need to lay off tattle life, or the Mail, or whatever is feeding you this feverish stuff

earthshotprize.org/boston-2022/

Thanks for your replies. Ah yes of course, the Moonshot prize, I did know that and it had escaped me for a moment. Nonetheless, I wonder if a multi-city stop might be a little less... niche?
I still stand by the assertion that a Big Royal Trip to the US is very risky with these timings (Prince Harry's book).

Do you think they will get good press out of this?

Your reply seems a little tetchy @Readinginthesun (although I'm jealous if you are reading in the sun, I'm freezing!) I'm not suggesting anyone's lipstick doesn't suit them or that their lasagne recipe is naff, just thought I'd open a discussion about a (lighthearted) current affairs topic. We can discuss VAT on jaffa cakes if you'd prefer? (That was a friendly joke).

Not sure what tattle life is @Luredbyapomegranate but I did think the mumsnet royal family board was safe for idle chit-chat about the Royal family.

The Palace will have a full fat PR machine I expect, so thought we could discuss whether we felt that they had calculated this trip well, all things considered, or whether as it turns out its looking a bit mixed.

I apologies if I have hurt anyone's feelings.

Yes, the tabloids are full if it aren't they @StormzyinaTCup . Do you think that was the reason Mike Tindall went on I'm a Celebrity?

*Thanks for your replies. Ah yes of course, the Moonshot prize, I did know that and it had escaped me for a moment. Nonetheless, I wonder if a multi-city stop might be a little less... niche?

I still stand by the assertion that a Big Royal Trip to the US is very risky with these timings (Prince Harry's book).*

Earthshot. Moonshot was Kennedy, but that was what inspired the sentiment behind the prize . It’s only a short visit and is concentrating on Boston because of the Kennedy connection. And I’m not sure they could do much about the timing re Harry’s book given that this has been planned for 12 months.

Apologies if I am tetchy ; I have probably been reading too many RF threads today and some of them raise my BP a bit !
to be honest I doubt if H and M’s shenanigans were given any consideration when the Boston plans were being made.
Sadly I am not reading in the sun .

Earthshot. Sorry, its late and I've had flu. Yes, perhaps all fixed very far in advance. Still, tricky timing I think.
Thanks for your reply

Of course it's planned months in advance 🤨

I think the RF are just trying to get in with their jobs and planned events and obligations, regardless of what the Markles are getting up to.

If the RF altered their schedules each time a podcast / interview / article / book / tv series was released by the Markles they'd never leave home again!

Just to put it into perspective when William & Kate last visited the USA for a very successful royal tour, Harry hadn't even met
Meghan yet, she was an unknown actress to them...why would they change a second of what they are doing because of her now?

I think MT did 'I'm a celebrity' just because he could, I don't think it was a bit of royal PR.

Earthshot. Sorry, its late and I've had flu. Yes, perhaps all fixed very far in advance. Still, tricky timing I think.

Timing of articles is everything, as PR companies are well aware. It's like a game of Top Trumps, I see your Earthshot campaign awards and raise you Invictus Games table tennis publicity stunt plus bonus points for a picture of Archie. It's amusing.

I do not think either "side" of this fantasy competition is trying to outdo the other. I do not believe for any second that the Earthshot event was planned specifically to overshadow anything the Sussex's are doing, nor do I think the Sussex's do anything to overshadow the Wales'.

I do have to laugh at the Boston comment though. We weren't opposed to throwing tea in the harbor before, we would do it again.

I think that William and Catherine's visit is the victim of proof of racism in the royal structure. The royal family can be not racist, but if they are supporting and employing racists then they are complicit.

I also think that this, combined with the outrage over Sunak being made PM (remember all those comments on MN on how many people were shocked their families were racist?), added together with the history of Princess Michael of Kent and comments the DofE made in his life, there may be something to Meghan's claims.

But that is another thread.

The POW visit was not a "superbowl" moment in the US and never was going to be. Those who are earning awards and are interested in the topic will be excited, but there was never going to be a superstar moment here in the US.

Strategically I agree Boston was not a good choice OP. They would have been better in London or Canada. I do not think it will go badly, but I think its not going to get much attention in the US.

How it's going

And now they have their 'touch down' moment marred by more racism accusations (quite rightly, what that lady in waiting said and how she behaved was absolutely appalling).

Yes. But it's all very convenient isn't it though.

How so?

Prince William and Kate sit courtside to cheer on Boston Celtics
mol.im/a/11488649

"Bombarded with cheers with a smattering of boos" is what that headline says.

So the woman involved groomed Susan Hussey to be racist? That's your reasoning?

They somehow masterminded an invitation to the Palace, dressed culturally 😂and made Susan interrogate her to the point of discomfort?

Please apply some critical thinking.

@LondonWolf was Camilla in on this plan?, timing her event just before Will and Kate's tour? I mean she invited the lady in question, was she in cahooots?! 😂

You might be onto something there @tatala

Interesting